Two arrested in Kona bar stabbings

A Kailua-Kona couple has been arrested and charged with numerous crimes after a double stabbing that occurred Saturday evening during an incident involving multiple people outside a bar in Kona.

Police responded to a reported fight at a bar in the 75-100 block of Sarona Road in Kailua-Kona on Saturday at 11:29 p.m. A 41-year-old male victim told police he was working as a security guard for the establishment when he denied entry to a male customer because the bar had reached maximum capacity.

The customer was later identified as 40-year-old Joshua Van Why.

The victim reported that Van Why became angry because he was denied entry. The two became involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical. Both parties struggled on the ground and Van Why was observed pulling a switchblade type knife from his pocket and stabbing the victim.

After several bystanders helped remove the knife from Van Why’s possession, he left the area on foot toward Ali’i Drive. The knife was subsequently recovered by police.

Police determined that Van Why’s girlfriend, later identified as 29-year-old Rachel Hogan, was also involved in the incident.

Hogan was also seen leaving the area on foot, heading towards Ali’i Drive.

At noon on Sunday, officers were informed by Kona Community Hospital staff that a possible second victim, a 55-year-old man, had arrived at the emergency room in a private vehicle. He reportedly tried to intervene in the altercation between the security guard and Van Why when confronted by Hogan.

A physical altercation ensued between Hogan and the 55-year-old, during which he was stabbed and seriously injured.

After fleeing the scene, Van Why and Hogan returned to their residence, located in the 75-5700 block of Ali’i Drive. They were arrested on Sunday morning.

Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the couple’s home, recovering 26 knives as evidence.

On Monday, police determined that Van Why and Hogan may have been involved in a separate stabbing incident that occurred on March 25 at a beach park in Kailua-Kona involving a 46-year-old male victim. Later that same day, the victim of the March 2024 beach park stabbing positively identified Hogan as his attacker. Hogan also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

The 41-year-old male victim stabbed by Van Why was treated and released for the stab wound he suffered. The 55-year-old male victim, stabbed by Hogan, remains in the hospital.

Van Why was charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault. Bail was set at $15,000.

Hogan was charged with first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and first-degree terroristic threatening. Her bail was set at $25,150.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the police non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. They can also contact Detective Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646, ext. 224, or via email at [email protected].

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.